rthrbhntng

This weekend is our Water Tank Project on the O'Haco ranch. There is a possibility that the 300rd will not be open. PLEASE READ THE NOTICE BELOW! IMPORTANT UPDATE: Please note the Forest Service Road #300 north from Woods Canyon lake may still be closed This Friday April 13 due to a lingering snow drift. It is actually scheduled to be open on Friday AM, but please call Black Mesa Ranger Station before heading that way on Friday Morning at 928-535-7300. In fact please call The ranger district regardless to make sure you are comfortable with the route you are going to take. There are 2 alternative Routes: #1) From just west of Heber take Forest Road 504 north all the way (23-24 miles) to paved Highway 99 also known as Forest Road 34. Go left (south) on FS #34 (Hwy. 99) for 4 to 5 miles to the north edge of the Sitgreaves National Forest Boundary and take a right (west) on Forest Road #23. And continue west then north on FS #23 (3 miles) to FS #63 as noted on the original directions. There will be signs starting at Forest Road #23 on Friday Afternoon 4/13. This is the shortest route but you will have 23-24 miles of dirt road along the way similar to the original route. #2) Take Highway 87 north out of Strawberry all the way to almost Winslow and turn right on Highway 99 (South) 25+- miles south to the north boundary of the Sitgreaves National Forest. Then take an immediate right (west) on Forest Road #23. Head west on road #23 and follow the signs and directions given above. This route is farther but is mostly paved and may be better suited for large RV's rigs. Sorry about any added travel time but we want to make sure you get there safe and sound. Please check the website for any added comments before you head out. Thanks, Steve Clark, 602-885-0835. We will be arriving at camp on Fri. early afternoon to set up. See you there!

Other have said it but it needs to be repeated. This agenda of the groups that are pushing this media and information exchange with the public, groups and Federal legislators has been ongoing for years. Each time a President is ending his terms we see the agenda get publicity. These groups have been gathering support and signatures for many years. They are good at media releases and use things like the wolf and jaguars to pull at the heartstrings of uninformed public. In most of the documentation on Mexican wolves there was no wolves on the north rim of the canyon. Prey base supports that wolves could be introduced. Remember that 90% of historic habitat of the MGW is in Mexico, a fact that even the USFWS seems to have forgotten. So here it has reared it's ugly head again in a push to have their people send letters and make calls to the President to sign off on this ever expanding idea to make more public land into a National Monument. That was not the intent of the power that was given to the President. The intent was to protect small areas of importance when things like development was encroaching on them. Here is what Bruce posted earlier: "The trouble is, our representatives have NOTHING to say about whether this happens or not. It is solely up to the President. The President can declare areas to be National Monuments. In an ironic way, this is more likely to happen if Obama is defeated in November. He then will feel no repercussions from controversial actions. That is exactly how we got many of the monuments in Arizona right at the end of President Clintons second term. His secretary of the interior, Bruce Babbitt was instrumental in getting Clinton to declare the Grand Canyon Parashant (strip), Ironwood, etc as well as some in other states right at the end of his term. It was even litigated in the courts and found that he did indeed have the authority. Prior to the designation on the strip, Babbitt held public meetings in AZ about the idea. I went to one in Flagstaff in 2000. There was considerable opposition to the idea. When the designation came out, it included an even bigger area than had been discussed in the meeting. They just went for broke. While it takes Congressional action to designate Wilderness or National Parks, it only takes the President's signature to designate National Monuments. The law that gave him the authority was originally believed to be for small areas of exceptionally unique characteristics. The nature mystics have found that liberal Presidents can us it to designate ever bigger "regular" areas and put them under the more severe management that goes along with the designation." Yes, it is important that we the public of Arizona have our voices heard. There are groups gathering information and working together to sign onto letters to our Representatives, both in State and in Washington. It is important that you, the public, also let your representative know about your concerns, hopefully they communicate with the Pres. Steve

I run a small business that charges credit cards all the time Both for in store purchases and over the phone. I have only been doing it for 26 years so I may not be an expert. I have never had to CODE anything. You just type in the number and make the charge. I have also been called by my credit card company for questionable charges to my card. In both cases it is up to the CREDIT CARD security rules not "how the company (G&F) coded it". Steve

The credit card issue is that the State of Arizona has a law that you can not charge a credit card for something that you can't deliver within 30 days. G&F can charge the app fee but since you don't get your tag for over 30 days they can't charge your CC for the tag until you are drawn. It is an Arizona law. Other States don't have the same law so some of them can charge your card with your permission then credit you if you don't get drawn. it is not about interest profit. Steve

Link to the document: DOCUMENT LINK

I was going to stay out of this one but can't do it. Right now the person you need to be worried about is Gary Stinson. Gary does have the baggage. The other issue you need to be concerned about is that if it is true, Hayes may not be a resident of AZ for long. You need to make sure his replacement is someone you trust. My take is that Don J. will represent the position well and will be an asset for sportsmen. Yes he is a friend of Pete's but if the ADBSS supports him I feel that he will work out. As far as Sue and Phil they are standup. Nick is right about not doing away with this board. If you don't have the knowledge of Lori and Janet and their connections to the environmental movement then you may need to trust Nick. I have that knowledge too and so do some others and what Nick is alluding to is a very real threat to the hunting community. Steve

It was my understanding that Don was never appointed because of a wording issue that had to be fixed. I may not be right but there was an issue. The next appointment would be to replace Sue Chilton. That person must come from the Cattle Growers, ranching community. At this time Gary Stinson has not been voted on by the full Senate. He was passed out of committee but hasn't had the full vote yet. Steve

Still need a few more volunteers to make sure this gets done. Thanks

Work Project - Unit 4A - O'Haco Ranch Water Tank Reseal April 14 & 15th 2012, Arrive in camp April 13th. Arizona Elk Society Work Project - Unit 4A O'Haco Ranch Tank Reseal We will be mucking out, grinding, cleaning and resealing a 50,000 gallon water tank on the O'Haco ranch. Jim O'Haco has been a great steward of the land and wildlife habitat. One of Jim's tanks that feeds the ranches extensive pipeline that supplies water year round to many elk and antelope is leaking and in need of repair. We need 25 hard working volunteers on this project so please mark you calendar. We will be providing meals Friday night, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. The Arizona Elk Society and AZGFD will be supplying the tools needed for this project. This project will involve cleaning out, grinding and then applying epoxy. We will have tools, gloves and implements on site. Be prepared for cool mornings and possibly rain. Old clothes are recommended for those working with the grinders and epoxy. We should have enough but if you have face masks and goggles or safety glasses please bring them. We need around 25 people. Space will be available for vehicle, tent and RV camping. We have a map and camp directions on our website at www.arizonaelksociety.org If you sign up we will send emails with more information. ALL volunteers welcome, you DO NOT need to be an AES member to help. Contact: Tom Schorr, tomschorr@arizonaelksociety.org

Anglers United Arizona Antelope Foundation Arizona BASS Federation Nation Arizona Bowhunters Association – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Arizona Chapter of Safari Club International Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Arizona Deer Association Arizona Flycasters Club Arizona Houndsmen's Association Arizona Trappers Association Ducks Unlimited Phoenix Chapter Mohave Sportsman Club Outdoor Experience 4 All South Eastern Arizona Sportsmen Club – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Southwest Walleye Anglers" Groups that were members of AZSFW or AZSFWC but have pulled out of the organizations because of HB2072 Arizona Elk Society – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Coconino Sportsmen – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version National Wild Turkey Federation, AZ State Chapters – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Hunt of a Lifetime - publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Other organizations opposed to HB2072 Arizona Wildlife Federation – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version Mule Deer Foundation – publicly opposed to HB2072 in any version This is the information we need to get to the Legislators to show that the groups they keep saying support them DON'T.

TTT

I want to thank all the banquet attendees and volunteers that made the Arizona Elk Society banquet a success. "THANK YOU". We were able to sell out every seat we could possibly put in the Convention Center. It seemed that everyone had a great time. The Arizona Elk Tag went for $131,000. The Buffalo tag set a new record at $20,000. All in all it was a great night. Also a shout out to all the new members and life members like Chef, thanks for joining and supporting. Preliminary numbers for money raised is over $317,000 for Wildlife and Youth programs. That is a great number. Much of the money raised will be spent on habitat projects through the AZGFD Habitat Partnership Committee (HPC). Now if we can find some dedicated volunteers we have money to put on more youth outdoor skills camps to introduce more kids to hunting, fishing, shooting, camping and conservation. There are many kids out there that we can get to come to camps and we have the money to fund the camps but we need some volunteers. Thanks for all the Support. Steve Clark President, Arizona Elk Society.

Thanks for the support. I am here setting up the Banquet and wanted to let everyone know THE BANQUET SOLD OUT. We don't have any more tickets or room to put more tables. Steve

Here is a note she sent to Chuck Decker, Chuck had given here some info and asked for a meeting. "I would be happy to meet with you. I can tell you, I have been having a few good conversations on this, and am beginning to get some of the info you mentioned already. Please make an appointment for next Monday if you can. I will be busy with family tomorrow. Sorry." Rep Judd

Just so everyone understands, AZSFW is a 501c4 and AZSFWC is a 501c3. There are very strict restrictions on the 501c3 for political activism and the spending of money for that. The 501c4 is set up for political reasons and the money is not tax deductable. Steve

Good post Ryan. Here is mine from the other thread. After seeing the info about tonight's meeting and hearing about supporters calling the legislators I decided to make a few more calls today to Representatives and Senators. To say I was confused would be an understatement. I talked to a couple of people about HB2072 and any derivative of the bill looking for information on how they stood. This is where I got confused. I was told that there was info sent to legislators showing that 17 member groups of AZSFW were in favor (supportive) of the bill. I look at the list of AZSFW members and then read back on my emails from some of those groups and threads on the internet that those groups posted letters and I see that many of the groups sent out info that they do not support the bill. Do the leaders of these groups know that a lobbyist is at the capital telling legislators that they support the bill even though the board and members at large have voted to oppose the bill? Maybe we as members of those groups need to ask them to talk to the lobbyist and have her refrain from using the groups name or better yet write something to all the legislators that they in fact don't support the legislation. I have talked to some of the supporters that are using the 17 member group number and they keep telling me that no one used anyones name to bolster support. Maybe the info that these legislators had was wrong. The other fact I can't wrap my head around is that the legislators have not even read the bill. The ones I talked to today had the AZSFW fact sheet in their hands when we were talking. They know that people have been calling in opposition and support but haven't taken the time to read the bill. They don't know the rest of the facts. The ones that AZSFW left out of their fact sheet. Thanks go out to runningbird who took the time to hand deliver a truer fact sheet to all the legislators. Then I heard that a group that I have dealt with in the past became a supporter of the concept of the bill. I called that group and asked if it was true. I was told by many of their board members that they did no such thing. At this point I don't know who to trust anymore. I don't know who to support in the future. If by representing me you tell people that I support something when I don't, how can I trust you. Obviously I have become one of the sheeple that don't know what is good for me. Steve (confused sheeple)

After seeing the info about tonight's meeting and hearing about supporters calling the legislators I decided to make a few more calls today to Representatives and Senators. To say I was confused would be an understatement. I talked to a couple of people about HB2072 and any derivative of the bill looking for information on how they stood. This is where I got confused. I was told that there was info sent to legislators showing that 17 member groups of AZSFW were in favor (supportive) of the bill. I look at the list of AZSFW members and then read back on my emails from some of those groups and threads on the internet that those groups posted letters and I see that many of the groups sent out info that they do not support the bill. Do the leaders of these groups know that a lobbyist is at the capital telling legislators that they support the bill even though the board and members at large have voted to oppose the bill? Maybe we as members of those groups need to ask them to talk to the lobbyist and have her refrain from using the groups name or better yet write something to all the legislators that they in fact don't support the legislation. I have talked to some of the supporters that are using the 17 member group number and they keep telling me that no one used anyones name to bolster support. Maybe the info that these legislators had was wrong. The other fact I can't wrap my head around is that the legislators have not even read the bill. The ones I talked to today had the AZSFW fact sheet in their hands when we were talking. They know that people have been calling in opposition and support but haven't taken the time to read the bill. They don't know the rest of the facts. The ones that AZSFW left out of their fact sheet. Thanks go out to runningbird who took the time to hand deliver a truer fact sheet to all the legislators. Then I heard that a group that I have dealt with in the past became a supporter of the concept of the bill. I called that group and asked if it was true. I was told by many of their board members that they did no such thing. At this point I don't know who to trust anymore. I don't know who to support in the future. If by representing me you tell people that I support something when I don't, how can I trust you. Obviously I have become one of the sheeple that don't know what is good for me. Steve (confused sheeple)

+1000 Excellent post Larry, thanks for putting this info out. I was briefed on a way that the this tag grab could be attached to another bill in the following weeks and still get through if not caught and aggressively fought. Do you have any info on how they can attach this circus to another bill as an amendment and the time frames for doing so? Steve

Still need some help on this project if you can get out and help. This tank and pipeline supply water to elk, antelope and lots of wildlife. Steve

Guys, AZSFW is still trying to get support and push this bill. Keep the pressure on the legislators. DON'T STOP NOW!. This bill will never be dead in the legislature until the session is over. There are meetings being held by AZSFW to find support and find people to write letters in support of the bill. The new G&F meeting is important to get the ball of cooperation and communication rolling between groups, average sportsmen and the G&F but don't wait for then to be heard about your opposition to this bill or see what is happening. It is happening right now in backroom deals. You need to keep the pressure on the legislators. Every time the chat rooms quiet down AZSFW pushes their agenda forward. Use the AWF position statement in all of your emails and letters. It has some great info. Steve

Everyone that is opposed to this bill needs to continue to call and write their legislators and try to send info to other legislators to educate them on the fact that sportsmen don't like the bill. It is obvious that there is push for this bill to gain traction and we must be active in communicating with the legislators. DON'T STOP NOW.

For sale I have a new Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon S in 28 gauge. This shotgun features an electroless-nickel plated receiver with scroll engraving, walnut stock and fore end, 26.5" barrels with 2-3/4" chamber, and gold single selective trigger. Gun is brand new in the factory case with standard choke system. Beautiful gun for the dedicated bird hunter. This is the first time it has been out of the protective wrapping. Asking $1750 obo. rthrbhntng@cox.net

Still available if anyone's interested. Steve

Steve's post on the AZSFW Facebook is in reference to the attempt last year to keep all the Special Big Game tags that are currently available in Arizona. Suzanne made a presentation at a WCC meeting asking if the idea had support from the WCC members of the AZSFWC. It didn't get any traction except by the ADA and they took it to the Commission.

It's probably too big but there is one at www.wsmauctioneers.com/ auction next weekend. I think it may be 30 ft though, it is triple axle. He has them every now and then. Usually goes for a decent savings. Unless it has the single electric rear bed most won't clear your OHV. I have one and am thinking of removing the rear bed to get my vehicle in. You can also convert to electric bed to get more clearance. Steve